When admitting a client with a reported severe allergy to penicillin, what should the nurse verify regarding the medication prescriptions?

When a client presents with a severe allergy to penicillin, it is crucial for the nurse to verify that the client’s prescriptions do not include cephalosporins. This is essential due to the potential for cross-reactivity between penicillin and cephalosporins, which share similar beta-lactam structures. While the overall incidence of cross-reactivity is estimated to be low, certain cephalosporins have a higher likelihood of causing allergic reactions in individuals who have demonstrated a strong sensitivity to penicillin.

By ensuring that cephalosporins are not included in the client's medication regimen, the nurse can help prevent the risk of an allergic reaction, which could range from mild symptoms to severe anaphylaxis. This precaution is particularly important in clients with a reported severe allergy, as their risk of an adverse reaction is greater.

In terms of the other options, while checking for other allergies or medications is generally important, the most critical step in this scenario specifically pertains to the risk associated with cephalosporins due to their structural relationship with penicillin. Therefore, confirming the absence of cephalosporins in the medication prescriptions is the priority action in this clinical situation.